Global Incidence of Pertussis After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

<p><strong>Importance</strong> Pertussis, or whooping cough, is caused by the <em>Bordetella pertussis</em> bacterium. It induces prolonged cough in all age groups and is a severe, life-threatening disease in young infants.</p><p><strong>Observations</strong> In an online workshop organized by the International Bordetella Society on November 12, 2024, most participating countries reported very low pertussis incidence during and immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time, many countries have seen large outbreaks of pertussis, particularly in adolescents. Before the pandemic, several countries, especially those using acellular pertussis vaccine in infants, reported circulating <em>B pertussis</em> isolates that lacked the acellular vaccine antigen pertactin. However, most recent isolates have been found to express this antigen. A rise in macrolide-resistant <em>B pertussis</em> isolates was also reported by several countries.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and Relevance</strong> The potential for large outbreaks of pertussis highlights the importance of maintaining or increasing vaccine coverage in pregnancy and in infants and children. The data presented herein suggest a need for new pertussis vaccines that protect against both disease and infection and that reduce transmission.</p>